HANNIBAL Casting Shake Up: Michael Pitt Leaves Series in Season 3

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Boardwalk Empire and Funny Games creeper Michael Pitt will not be returning to Hannibal for season three, TVLine is reporting. Pitt will be replaced by The Grey and Horns co-star Joe Anderson. Pitt originated the role of the demented Mason Verger on the NBC series and although he’s only appeared in three episodes so far, he certainly left a big impression. Mason Verger plays a big role in the Hannibal Lecter universe which will undoubtedly continue to unfold in season three, as there were reports earlier this year of a character named Cordell appearing this season who would serve as Verger’s henchman and doctor. Fans will remember that when we last left Mason Verger he was on his way to do some major damage to his face. TVLine is also reporting that Pitt was not fired from the genre series but chose to leave on his own. What a head scratcher!

Have no fear as Anderson is a mighty fine talent and has already posted a photo of himself in Mason Verger make up on his Instagram account.

I’m just personally a little shocked that Pitt would leave a role that he originated and was such a fan favorite, especially considering that Verger plays such a big role in the future of the series, too.

Hannibal, which stars Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Lawrence Fishburne and Gillian Anderson, is currently shooting some of its third season on location in Italy, and is expected to return sometime in the spring of 2015.